Near Fort Detroit, many Aboriginal tribes lived in the fragile peace of an uneasy alliance. After major conflicts which brought them into opposition with the Outaouais in 1738, the Huron wanted to leave Detroit, because they no longer felt safe there. Consequently, they asked the Governor, Charles de Beauharnois de La Boische, for land where they could live undisturbed. In keeping with the Aboriginal social tradition of referring to lineage or family, the Governor General of New France was named Onontio, "father protector and provider."
A Huron Address
Paroles des hurons du Détroit à Mr le Marquis de Beauharnois, Gouverneur général de la Nouvelle France, parlant à M. de Noyelle commandant au dit Poste [Address made by the Huron of Detroit to Monsieur le Marquis de Beauharnois, Governor General of New France, speaking to Monsieur de Noyelle, Commander of the said Trading Post], ca. 1740
FR CAOM COL C11A 74 fol. 72-76